Content Reflections: 

After reading the article for this week, I think the biggest thing needed to expand our personal learning network is to talk to everyone, as you never know what connections you might make! I like how the article mentions that everyone’s PLN is different and diverse in its own way because that is so true! I think my connections on the different social platforms including Instagram, VSCO, LinkedIn, TikTok have allowed me to diversify my PLN and connect with new people.

To expand my PLN and build a network of individuals who are dynamic, reliable, and participatory, I like to talk to everyone and connect with new employers on social platforms. Whether that would mean connecting/ messaging employers on LinkedIn, attending conferences and chatting with various exhibitors, or following employers on Instagram to stay up to date on recent projects. As mentioned in the article by Woods “The people around you have a wealth of information..” and I 100% agree! Taking the time to talk to those around you, even if it starts with talking about the weather outside, can be super beneficial and you never know where that conversation might lead, or if that person has the same interests as you!

After listening to the podcast from this week, I thought it was so funny how the guest talked about when to connect with others, you had to go through the phone book! That conversation just shows you how much technology has changed, and how we connect with each other has changed over time. As a kid I remember the phone book my parents used to flip through to find numbers of local stores or friends in the area. Now with a quick google and click away you can call any store you want. When the guest was talking about making phone calls to follow up on emails or mail sent to potential employers, I related to this conversion so much! As an undergraduate student in there last year, making cold-calls and sending emails to employers is something I have definitely gained some skill in. If there are companies you want to work for, handing in your resume and following up with a call, I think, is the best way to show your interest in that job. 

Image 1. Connections to online networked spaces and the diversity of those that we meet

Weekly Question: How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of your choice?

Thinking about the question of the week about how I would create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign, I think the best way would be to do a general search of the topic on any networked platform. To connect with individuals who might support this campaign, as we know, you can look through hashtags on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to find creators who support this campaign and those who might be against the campaign. Viewing different opinions on a topic and doing your own research can also be a helpful way to expand your learning network! Commenting on posts or reposting content related to that campaign to your personal network of followers is also a way to show that you support that campaign. Connecting with others through common interests is a great way to make new connections and expand your learning network!

Image 2. Demonstrating our connection to online networks

References: 

Woods, Bianca. “Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network.” T+D, vol. 67, no. 11, Nov. 2013, pp. 70+. Gale OneFile: Business, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A348998538/ITBC?u=uvictoria&sid=summon&xid=1010abdf. Accessed 14 Oct. 2023.


“Sophie Lui- EDCI 338”. YouTube. Miller. June 6 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfcXgKLzOVM&t=1775s

Images:

Image 1. https://gmhigher.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Social-media-image.png

Image 2. https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/024/029/941/original/social-media-icons-clipart-transparent-background-free-png.png